The Ordinary hair serum or minoxidil? 6 differences in evidence, use and price

Are you unsure between The Ordinary Multi-Peptide Serum for Hair Density and minoxidil? The short answer: for hereditary hair loss, minoxidil is the logical first choice, because it is an active substance with a fixed dosage and a package leaflet. The Ordinary serum is a cosmetic hair serum with peptides, plant extracts and caffeine. The manufacturer promises that your hair will look fuller, but does not publish any figures about results on the product page^[1]. If you mainly want to care for your scalp and your hair is only slightly thinner, the serum can be a supplement. If you want to stimulate hair growth with inlets or a thinner crown, it is better to start with minoxidil. Below you can read the 6 differences, with prices and sources.

In this article

• What exactly is The Ordinary Multi-Peptide Serum?
• What are the 6 differences with minoxidil?
• How strong is the evidence for the ingredients?
• Can you use The Ordinary serum and minoxidil combine?
• Which one suits you?
• Frequently asked questions
• Sources

What exactly is The Ordinary Multi-Peptide Serum?

The Multi-Peptide Serum for Hair Density is a light water-based serum without alcohol and without silicones. According to The Ordinary, it helps improve the appearance of hair thickness and fullness. On the product page, the brand mentions the complexes REDENSYL, AnaGain, Procapil, CAPIXYL and BAICAPIL, plus caffeine. Concentrations per ingredient are not listed^[1].

You massage a few drops once a day onto a clean, dry scalp, preferably before bedtime, and you do not rinse it out. A 60 ml bottle costs €26.50 on The Ordinary's European site (accessed on November 1, 2026). The brand does not state how long a bottle lasts^[1].

Minoxidil works differently. It is an active substance that you apply to the scalp in a fixed dose: 1 ml twice a day, with approximately 12 hours in between and no more than 2 ml per day^[4]. Apotheek.nl calls minoxidil applied to the skin as a remedy for baldness, especially for hereditary hair loss in men and women^[3].

What are the 6 differences with minoxidil?

The most important differences are in the active substance, the evidence, the use, the time to results, what happens when you stop and the price. In the table you can see them side by side, with the Kirkland Minoxidil Lotion 5% as an example of minoxidil.

To be fair: the serum also has advantages. It's once a day instead of twice, it doesn't contain alcohol and it feels light. Minoxidil can cause side effects. According to Apotheek.nl, 10 to 30 in 100 users get headaches, and 1 to 10 in 100 get skin irritation such as dryness, itching or burning sensation, or unwanted hair growth elsewhere. In the first few weeks, your hair may also temporarily fall out more^[3]. Pregnant? Then you don't use minoxidil. If you have cardiovascular disease, consult your doctor first^[3].

Minoxidil 5% for men

Kirkland Minoxidil Lotion 5% 1 Month For Men

The same active substance and concentration as well-known A-brands, with pipette for a measured 1 ml.

€ 29,99View the lotion →

How strong is the evidence for the ingredients?

Because The Ordinary doesn't show a study with the serum itself, you look at the individual ingredients. A 2025 review article in the International Journal of Trichology summarized research into such cosmetic alternatives^[2]. The conclusion: the results are promising, but most studies are small, rarely compare with standard treatment and are often sponsored by industry.

There is one striking study: a combination of Redensyl, Capixyl and Procapil scored better than minoxidil in 106 men on the assessment by researchers (64.7% compared to 25.5%)^[2]. That is interesting, but it is a different formula than The Ordinary's serum, the assessment was qualitative and the article itself warns about small studies without a good comparison. So there is no proof that this serum works better than minoxidil. Curious about other natural alternatives? Also read rosemary oil or minoxidil.

Can you combine The Ordinary serum and minoxidil?

There is no research into this specific combination, so we cannot promise an additional effect. There are a few practical points. Apply minoxidil to a dry scalp and not immediately after showering^[3]. The Ordinary serum also belongs on a clean, dry scalp^[1]. If you use both, do not apply them at the same time, but let minoxidil be absorbed thoroughly first. If you experience itching, redness or a burning sensation, stop using the serum and see if the symptoms disappear. The Ordinary recommends testing a small spot first and stopping if irritation occurs^[1].

If you are looking for a serum without minoxidil to use in addition to your minoxidil, Minodeals also sells a cosmetic serum with plant extracts. This also applies: it is a supplement, not a replacement.

Serum without minoxidil

Foligain DHT Blocker Serum with 12% Trichogen

Cosmetic scalp serum with plant extracts, to be used in addition to your minoxidil routine.

€ 44,99View the serum →

Which one is right for you?

The choice depends on what is going on with your hair. Use this as a rule of thumb:

• Inlets, thinner crown or a wider parting that slowly gets worse: this is consistent with hereditary hair loss. Start with minoxidil and give it at least 4 to 6 months. If you do not see any new hair after 6 months, Apotheek.nl recommends stopping^[3]. You can read what you can expect per month in minoxidil results per month.
• Your hair is slightly thinner and you especially want to take care of your scalp: a cosmetic serum can be nice, as long as you know that the evidence is limited.
• Sudden hair loss, bald spots or hair loss that you cannot manage declare: go to your doctor first. The package leaflet states that you should not use minoxidil if the cause is unknown or in case of sudden hair loss, for example due to thyroid problems^[4].
• Pregnant, breastfeeding or younger than 18: do not use minoxidil without consultation. Safety under 18 years has not been established^[4].

Are you a woman with thinning hair? At Minodeals you will also find minoxidil 2% as a lotion especially for women. Read the package leaflet and, if in doubt, consult your pharmacist.

Minoxidil 2% for women

Foligain Lotion 2% 3 Months For Women

Minoxidil 2% for women with thinning hair, enough for 3 months.

€ 64,99View the lotion →

Frequently asked questions

Does The Ordinary Multi-Peptide Serum really work against hair loss?

That has not been proven. The Ordinary promises that your hair will look fuller, but does not show any results from studies with the serum itself on the product page. The individual ingredients have mainly been studied in small studies, often by the manufacturers of those ingredients.

Is The Ordinary serum an alternative to minoxidil?

Not for hereditary hair loss. Minoxidil has a fixed dosage, a package leaflet and clear information about when you can expect results. The serum is a cosmetic product without that substantiation.

How often do you use The Ordinary Multi-Peptide Serum?

According to the manufacturer, once a day, preferably before bedtime. You massage a few drops onto a clean, dry scalp and do not rinse.

Can I use The Ordinary serum and minoxidil together?

There is no research into this combination. If you use both, do not apply them at the same time and stop using the serum if your scalp becomes irritated. If you are in doubt, consult your pharmacist.

What is cheaper per month?

Kirkland Minoxidil Lotion 5% costs € 29.99 per month, or approximately € 18.33 per month for a 6-month package. The Ordinary costs € 26.50 per 60 ml bottle, but the brand does not mention how long it lasts.

This article is general information and does not replace medical advice. Always read the package leaflet and, if in doubt, consult your doctor or pharmacist. Prices are as of November 2026.

Sources

1. The Ordinary, Multi-Peptide Serum for Hair Density, product page (English, accessed November 1, 2026)
2. Bikash C., Topical Alternatives for Hair Loss: Beyond the Conventional, International Journal of Trichology, 2025 (English)
3. Apotheek.nl, Minoxidil on the skin
4. Laboratoires Bailleul, Package leaflet Minoxidil Biorga 5% solution for cutaneous use